**Interview with Angela and Phil: A Blind Date Experience**

**Angela, 40, English Teacher**
**Phil, 52, Designer and Campaigner**

**What were your expectations going into the date?**
*Angela:* I was hoping for a fun, relaxed evening filled with great conversation and minimal awkwardness.
*Phil:* I expected the usual clichés, but my goal was to strike a balance between light-hearted fun and deeper discussions.

**How was your first impression of each other?**
*Angela:* I found Phil to be a truly nice, calm man with a sweetness and depth that I appreciated.
*Phil:* Angela struck me as very attractive, with a big smile that immediately caught my attention.

**What did you talk about during dinner?**
*Angela:* We had a wide-ranging conversation. I asked Phil why he was interested in a blind date, and we shared thoughts about past relationships. It all felt quite comfortable—nothing too heavy or awkward.
*Phil:* Our dinner conversation mainly revolved around the food, but we explored a variety of other topics as well.

**Were there any awkward moments?**
*Angela:* The only awkward moment was when the friendly staff offered us a bottle of wine that neither of us wanted.
*Phil:* I think the most awkward moment happened when I put the waiter on the spot about some ingredients on the menu.

**How would you describe each other’s table manners?**
*Angela:* Besides the little incident with the waiter, Phil had really nice table manners.
*Phil:* Aside from my questioning, everything was quite respectful; I didn’t notice anything overly unusual.

**What did you appreciate most about each other?**
*Angela:* Phil has a great soul and is incredibly easy to talk to. Plus, he had a pleasant scent!
*Phil:* Angela has a magnetic personality. She even exchanged social media info with an American couple at the next table!

**Would you introduce each other to your friends?**
*Angela:* Definitely! Phil is nice, laid-back, and has soulful eyes.
*Phil:* Absolutely! I can see Angela fitting right in with my friends.

**If you had to describe each other in three words?**
*Angela:* Gentle, sweet, and unique.
*Phil:* Outgoing, vivacious, and passionate.

**What do you think each of you thought of the other?**
*Angela:* I have no idea what he thought, but if I had to guess, I’d say he found me confident, lively, and attractive.
*Phil:* She might have seen me as a bit quiet, which is accurate—I do tend to be a good listener.

**Did you plan to go anywhere after the date?**
*Angela:* No, Phil had to catch a train to the Wirral, so we ended it there.
*Phil:* It was just a quick trip to the station afterward.

**Was there any romance involved?**
*Angela:* We shared a few polite kisses, but nothing more. It felt just right and comfortable.
*Phil:* That was a nice surprise! Mid-meal, Angela pointed to her mouth and said “kiss,” which was a fun moment, and we shared one more kiss goodbye at the station.

**If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?**
*Angela:* I wish we could have had more time together and perhaps even gone dancing afterward.
*Phil:* I felt like the food took center stage; we could have connected on a deeper level.

**Rate your experience on a scale from 1 to 10?**
*Angela:* I’d give it a 10! We shared a lot of laughs, and I’d love to see him again.
*Phil:* I’d rate it a 7. It was an intriguing evening with Angela, but I think there was potential for more connection.

**Would you meet again?**
*Angela:* Yes, absolutely!
*Phil:* Angela is always welcome to visit me in Liverpool.

Angela and Phil dined at Gunpowder Soho in London. If you’re interested in a blind date, email blind.date@theguardian.com.